VANCOUVER, B.C. – Rugged Vancouver forward Darcy Hordichuk says he meant no disrespect toward Trevor Linden when he made a reference to the former Canuck captain in a recent interview. “How can you say anything bad about Trevor Linden?” a contrite Hordichuk told a large group of reporters crowded around him in the Vancouver dressing […]

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VANCOUVER, B.C. – Rugged Vancouver forward Darcy Hordichuk says he meant no disrespect toward Trevor Linden when he made a reference to the former Canuck captain in a recent interview.

“How can you say anything bad about Trevor Linden?” a contrite Hordichuk told a large group of reporters crowded around him in the Vancouver dressing room Tuesday. Adding to Hordichuk’s embarrassment is the fact the Canucks will retire Linden’s jersey prior to Wednesday night’s NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Hordichuk, signed as a free agent in July after playing the last three seasons in Nashville, appeared to have criticized Linden following Sunday’s 5-3, come-from-behind win over Florida.

Hordichuk was asked about the enthusiasm he showed after scoring his third goal of the season.

“I think when Trevor Linden was here not too many guys were celebrating, or were allowed to,” he said at the time.

On Tuesday, Hordichuk said he meant no offence toward Linden and his comments were taken out of context.

“First of all, I have the utmost respect for Trevor Linden,” he said. “All I meant is guys like me don’t score a lot of goals. When I do score a goal I like to celebrate. The older generation of guys, when they scored, they knew in two or three games they are going to get another goal.

“I don’t want to be anything offensive. It upsets me this has been taken out of context. I couldn’t sleep last night.”